Millie Bright began playing football with local side Killamarsh Dynamos before progressing to senior football with Doncaster Rovers Belles. A loan spell with Leeds United helped establish her at senior level, and in late 2014 she agreed to join Chelsea ahead of the 2015 season. Bright became a cornerstone of the Chelsea defence during the most successful era in the club's history, eventually becoming captain and winning eight Women's Super League titles, six Women's FA Cups and four League Cups among a total of 20 major honours with the club.
Bright made her senior England debut against Belgium in September 2016 and quickly developed into a regular at centre-back. She represented England at UEFA Women's Euro 2017 and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup before playing every match of England's victorious UEFA Women's Euro 2022 campaign. With regular captain Leah Williamson injured, Bright captained England at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and led the Lionesses to their first World Cup final. She also represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Bright retired from international football in October 2025 after 88 England appearances and six goals. She subsequently announced that the 2025/26 season would be her last as a professional footballer, ending a career in which she made more than 300 appearances for Chelsea and became the Women's Super League's record appearance holder at the time of her retirement.
Bright was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to association football. Before focusing on football, she grew up with a strong interest in horses and horse riding.
Bright retired from professional football at the end of the 2025/26 season after spending more than eleven years with Chelsea. She finished her career as one of the most decorated players in English women's club football.
